01/10/2014
"TRAVEL FAR ENOUGH, YOU MEET YOURSELF"
- David Mitchel
Recently I received an e-mail from one of our Summer Work and Travel participants. He wrote, “I'm leaving USA with incredible experience and like a totally different person (in a good way).” When you go home reentry can be difficult. Since this is the time of the year when many of you are returning home here are some tips I would like to share with you.
Prepare for returning home.
Think about what is to come. The process to returning home is similar to going abroad.
Allow yourself time.
Reentry is a process that takes time just like adapting to a new culture. Relax and give yourself time to ease into the transition.
Understand that everything that was familiar will feel different.
You have changed, your home has changed, and you will look at things differently. Some things you knew your whole life can feel strange.
Catch up.
You may need to learn new things about politics, sports, entertainment and current events in your country. Funny, but true that it takes time to catch up.
Do not judge.
Just as I ask you not to judge when you arrive. I am sure you all remember, from orientation, embrace the differences. Try to resist making snap decisions and judgments about people and things once home. It is normal to feel both sad and happy upon return.
Respond slowly and thoughtfully.
Take time to think what you want to say. Frustration and boredom can lead to unkind behavior. When speaking to others use a calm and thoughtful approach
Think about others.
Be sure to ask friends what they have been doing while you were gone. Sometimes it is difficult when you return home that others seem disinterested in listening to your experiences. Listening as well as talking is a good way to reconnect.
Beware of comparisons.
It is important to be careful to not be too critical of home or too lavish in praise of things foreign. A balance of good and bad is probably more helpful is discussing your experience. The tendency to be an expert should be avoided.
Be flexible.
Be sure to keep your options open. Spend time with your old friends and make new friends who may have interests you have cultivated while in the United States.
